Was it arranged between you and him that you were to come to town and look after me? Perhaps it was the Sheriff himself that urged you to come? Aha, my dear—no doubt he wanted my help in his office! Or was it at the card-table that he missed me?
Mrs. Elvsted.
[Softly, in agony.] Oh, Lövborg, Lövborg——!
Lövborg.
[Seizes a glass and is on the point of filling it.] Here’s a glass for the old Sheriff too!
Hedda.
[Preventing him.] No more just now. Remember, you have to read your manuscript to Tesman.
Lövborg.
[Calmly, putting down the glass.] It was stupid of me all this, Thea—to take it in this way, I mean. Don’t be angry with me, my dear, dear comrade. You shall see—both you and the others—that if I was fallen once—now I have risen again! Thanks to you, Thea.
Mrs. Elvsted.